A psychologist is sent to a space station orbiting a planet called Solaris to investigate the death of a doctor and the mental problems of cosmonauts on the station. He soon discovers that the water on the planet is a type of brain which brings out repressed memories and obsessions.

Two lighthouse keepers try to maintain their sanity while living on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s.

Under the direction of a ruthless instructor, a talented young drummer begins to pursue perfection at any cost, even his humanity.